Pages

Sunday, November 01, 2015

Actors and Others for Animals by Connie Vines #Sunday Snippets

Like many of us, I love animals. I also participate in local community events
to benefit children, animals, and to promote literacy. One such event was held on October 17th.

The Grove Theatre (donated venue and stage
crew) held an evening of entertainment, "Upland's Got Talent, A Furry Fun-Raiser,"
hosted by Jo Anne Worley and Fred Willard. Ms. Worley, Rowan and Martin's
"Laugh-In", is the Singing President of Actors & Others.

JoAnne Worley’s instinctive comedic timing and
irrepressible laugh, and stage presence impressive. She, as well as the other
members (actors and others) donate their time.
Local vendors donate baskets filled with goodies, gift-cards, and
expensive recording and video equipment for the raffle items. The event included a wine and cheese
pre-party. While the billboard poster
and the marquee promised lots of laughs, singing, dancing, surprises and magic!

I had a
wonderful evening. The pre-party was
awash with laughter, lively discussions, and enthusiast introductions. JoAnne
Worley spent time interacting with the audience and selling raffle tickets from
a woven basket. After she opened the show, we were treated
with Michael Skrzek, tap-dancer on Broadway, recreated Gene Kelly’s fancy foot
work in the movie, “Singing in the Rain”. Jay Johnson & friends (Tony Award-Winning
Duo), Fred Willard and his Sketch Comedy Troupe The MOHO’s, Sherry Kinison and
many others gave standing-ovation performances.

While I
belong to this non-profit origination, you may find a similar organization in
your local community.

About Actors & Others

So, what exactly is, “Actors and Others for Animals’? We all know Betty White has supported this
non-profit agency for decades. How did it begin?

Date: 1971 .
Place: On one of Los Angeles’
busy freeways. The late actor Richard Basehart and his wife, Diana, watched in
horror, as someone in the car ahead of them tossed a dog out of the car window
to a grisly death. Both Richard and Diana were animal lovers and very aware of
the daily cruelties that so many animals endured. Their shock and outrage that
day motivated them to gather fellow actors and members of the community
together to work to stop such inhumane treatment.

In 1971, our objectives were to provide proper care for and
prevent the inhumane treatment and destruction of animals. The common belief of
the day was to simply rescue and adopt. Then branched out into other services
(including obtain assistance with vet. bills). By 1979, the services were
provided throughout California.